Belmont----- E. Bernadette (LaMarche) Pazasis, 86, of 111 Scenic Drive, died at the Lakes Region General Hospital, Laconia on Tuesday, November 3, 2009.
Bernadette was born April 30, 1923 in Boston, Massachusetts, the daughter of Hormisdas and Eva (Daudelin) LaMarche. She lived in Massachusetts for many years. During her high school years, Bernadette won a scholarship from the Boston Museum of Fine Arts under the direction of two of the Museum’s foremost instructors, Miss Cleves and Miss LeBrecht. Her talents enabled her to win two additional consecutive scholarships. She specialized in the techniques and mediums of pastels, watercolors and oils.
Bernadette became involved in commercial work creating fashion illustrations for department stores and clothing manufacturers. Between assignments, she produced more than 250 paintings that enhance the décor of homes and offices throughout the United States.
Bernadette was active as an art instructor for the Westwood Woman’s Club, Canton Civic Association and Campfire Girls groups while living in Massachusetts. In addition to these activities, she also offered private classes. Through the years, Bernadette won several awards for her works in various competitions held in New England. Since moving to New Hampshire twenty-nine years ago, Bernadette became interested in ceramics and found her artistic abilities complemented the requirements to produce unique ceramic creations. She studied, experimented and took lessons that earned her a certificate as an instructor in developing the “Hummel Look”, using special stains and colors that equaled the original Hummel collector pieces. In the summer of 2005, at age 82, she produced her finest watercolor effort – sixteen of the most colorful Birds of New England. Each 8 ½ x 11 print was individually produced on order and was a mirror image reproduction of the original.
Bernadette is survived by her husband of sixty-four years, Anthony Pazasis; two sons, Richard A. Pazasis and his wife, Lee, and Frank W. Pazasis; a daughter, Janice B. Arsenault, and her husband, James; one grandchild, Ryan Pazasis; a brother, Dr. Paul LaMarche, and 16 nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Bernadette was predeceased by a brother, Dr. Robert LaMarche, and by a sister, Lorraine Jones.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, November 8, 2009 from 4:00-6:00PM in the Carriage House of the Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N. H.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, November 9, 2009 at 10:00AM at St. Joseph Parish, 96 Main Street, Belmont, N.H.
Burial will be at a later date in South Road Cemetery, Belmont, N.H.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is in charge of the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.